Annual Award Recognizes Outstanding University of Hawaii Alumni

The University of Hawai′i Alumni Association (UHAA) announced today that nominees are being sought for its annual University of Hawai′i Distinguished Alumni Award. Established in 1987, the UH Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes outstanding University of Hawai′i alumni who have used their University education to excel professionally, provide inspirational leadership to others, and provide service for the benefit of the community.

"The UHAA proudly celebrates and honors alumni whose achievements shine as beacons in our community," said Christine Kondo, UHAA President and 1997 UH MBA graduate. "The distinguished recipients of this award are representative of the rich diversity of our University. Their stellar examples light the path for future graduates and their enduring commitment to integrity, diversity and service are an inspiration to all."

"With the University‘s family of 10 campuses, we have an excellent field of potential nominees," added Kevin Takamori, Associate Vice President of Alumni Relations at the UH Foundation. "Distinguished Alumni Award winners will join a prestigious list of past award recipients — all who have committed themselves to the University‘s mission of serving the public by creating, preserving, and transmitting knowledge in a multi-cultural environment."

UH Distinguished Alumni Award nominees must meet one of the following criteria:

· Completion of 50 percent of his/her educational program within the University of Hawai′i system

· Receipt of a degree from a University of Hawai′i campus

Selections will be based on material submitted by a nominator, with consideration given to the following areas:

· Service to the University of Hawai′i

· Service to the community

· Professional accomplishments

Nominations are reviewed by a committee comprised of members of the UHAA Board of Directors. A completed formal Nomination Packet and all supporting material must be received by 4pm on January 2, 2004 and can be mailed to:

Nominations may also be hand-delivered to the Alumni Relations Office in Bachman Hall 101 on the campus of the University of Hawai′i at Mānoa.

The 2004 awards dinner will be held on May 20, 2004 at the Sheraton Waikiki.

To request a Nomination Packet or for more information, please contact the UH Alumni Relations Office toll-free at 1-877-UH-ALUMS or at: emily.fay@uhf.hawaii.edu.

About the University of Hawai‘i Alumni Association (UHAA)The University of Hawai‘i Alumni Association (UHAA) was informally constituted in 1922, a few years after the first graduating class of 1911, and formalized into a system-wide umbrella organization for all UH-recognized alumni groups in 1988. Its members support the University and UHAA sponsors events that showcase the University‘s excellence. Governed by a Board of Directors, UHAA includes a nationwide and international network of 37 affiliated alumni groups. The Association's goal is to generate support for the University by encouraging interaction among UH graduates and friends. The work of the chapters and the support of the alumni association make the University a stronger learning institution and thus contribute to the strength of the community.

About the UH Foundation Office of Alumni Relations The University of Hawaiʻi Foundation established the Office of Alumni Relations with the approval of the Board of Regents in December 2002. The Office of Alumni Relations works closely with the UH Alumni Association to serve the community of UH alumni and students in Hawaiʻi and worldwide.

For more information about alumni programs, activities, and UHAA membership, please call the Office of Alumni Relations toll-free at 1-877-UH-ALUMS.

About the University of Hawaiʻi FoundationThe University of Hawaiʻi Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization whose purpose is to raise funds according to priorities determined by the academic leadership of the University of Hawaiʻi. Founded in 1955, the UH Foundation provides a full range of fund raising and alumni relations services for all 10 UH campuses, providing leadership and implementation of UH's private fund raising efforts. For more information on the UH Foundation, visit www.uhf.hawaii.edu.